About the PhD Position
Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES) invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD in Prehistoric Archaeology at Tarragona, Spain. This research project explores the eco-social behaviour of the Sierra de Atapuerca hominins during the Quaternary and contributes to advancing knowledge in Biological Sciences, Geology, and History – Prehistory. The position will be supervised by Dr Josep Valleverdú (Geoarchaeology) or Dr Isabel Cáceres (Taphonomy/Zooarchaeology), providing doctoral students with a multidisciplinary and internationally recognised research environment.
The position is funded for four years under the Spanish Ministry of Science FPI programme, offering a full predoctoral contract with remuneration above the annual minimum wage. Research will involve fieldwork, petroarchaeological study of chert, and comprehensive taphonomical and zooarchaeological analyses of the Galería site complex. Candidates will also enrol in the PhD programme in Quaternary and Prehistory at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, gaining structured training, access to cutting-edge laboratories, and opportunities to collaborate internationally.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a Master’s degree in Archaeology, Biology, Geology, or related fields who wish to pursue a career in academic research, postdoctoral studies, or applied prehistoric archaeology. The role offers personalised mentorship, participation in scientific seminars, and active involvement in project dissemination, providing a strong foundation for a successful research career.
By joining IPHES, students will gain experience within a centre recognised as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, combining advanced research, knowledge transfer, and international collaboration.
Explore fully funded research opportunities in Prehistoric Archaeology and take the next step in developing your scientific career in human evolution studies.
Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Prehistoric Archaeology
- Institution: Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain
- Department: IPHES, Faculty of Science and Humanities
- Supervisor: Dr Josep Valleverdú (Geoarchaeology) or Dr Isabel Cáceres (Taphonomy/Zooarchaeology)
- Location: Tarragona, Spain
- Duration: 4 years
- Start Date: June 2026
- Funding: Full predoctoral contract under FPI programme
- Employment Type: Full-time, 40 hours/week
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree: Master’s in Archaeology, Biology, Geology, or related disciplines
Explore fully funded research positions and academic opportunities at IPHES, Spain and take your research career to the next level.
Research Area
- Prehistory
- Geoarchaeology
- Taphonomy & Zooarchaeology
- Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction
- Experimental Archaeology
- Spatial & GIS Analysis
- Analytical & Laboratory Methods
Explore advanced archaeology research jobs and academic positions for scholars pursuing careers in human past, prehistory, and cultural heritage studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines
- Eligibility for the PhD programme at URV
- Good proficiency in English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in prehistoric archaeology, taphonomy, or geoarchaeology
- Knowledge of laboratory methods and data processing
- International mobility or prior collaborative research
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct experimental, analytical, or field research activities
- Contribute to publications, reports, and dissemination activities
- Participate in seminars, conferences, and PhD programme modules
- Present findings at national and international scientific forums
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via email to jobs@iphes.cat with the subject line: IPHES_FPI_[SURNAME_NAME]. Please ensure all documents are complete and in PDF format.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages, CVA English or CVA Spanish model)
- Academic transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
- Documentation supporting essential requirements and merits
- Brief project description (maximum 1 page)
Important Dates:
- Application Open: Now
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Madrid)
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online or in-person interviews
- Expected Start Date: June 2026
Where to Apply:
- University / Institute Website: Universitat Rovira i Virgili | The public university of Tarragona
- Department / Research Group Information: IPHES – Research Centre
- Official Job Announcement: Predoctoral Researcher – FPI Fellowship
- Application Portal: Submit via email: jobs@iphes.cat
📧 Contact for Queries:
- Email: jobs@iphes.cat
- Phone: +34 977 943 003
This FPI fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking fully funded doctoral research support, multidisciplinary collaboration, and advanced research opportunities at IPHES in Spain.
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